THE United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have included Metro Manila in their travel advisories after a masked gunman set fire to the Resorts World Manila, suffocating 36 guests and employees of the casino.
US President Donald Trump prematurely labeled the attack as “an act of terror.”
“It is really very sad as to what’s going on throughout the world with terror,” Trump said during his announcement in the White House that the US will withdraw from a landmark 2015 global agreement to fight climate change.
He said the American government was closely monitoring the situation in Metro Manila.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim called on all American citizens working and residing in Manila to contact their family and friends and let them know that they are safe.
“US citizens in Manila, please check in with family or friends to let them know you are safe,” Sung said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims of the Resorts World incident,” he added.
In its updated travel alert, the US embassy on Thursday night urged its citizen to exercise caution.
“Local media reports gunfire and explosions at Resorts World Manila near the Manila International Airport. Exercise caution and review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Heed any instructions given by local authorities,” the US Embassy said.
While expressing his condolences, outgoing United Kingdom Ambassador to Manila Asif Ahmad said there were no Britons harmed in the Resorts World incident.
“My condolences to relatives and friends of the victims,” Ahmad said in his official Twitter account.
“Our Consular team checking all hospitals treating people from Resorts World Manila. No reported harm to Britons. Wish all a speedy recovery,” he added.
In its updated travel warning, the UK called on its British citizens to be prepared for additional security measures or delays.
“You should avoid the immediate area of the incident and follow the advice of local authorities,” the UK govenment stated.
It also reminded its 154,000 British citizens working or residing in the Philippines, that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport remains on “red alert” status.
Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely expressed sadness on the outcome to the Resorts World incident.
In its travel warning, the Australian government told its citizens to exercise heightened caution due to “high terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila.”
“Some flights have been redirected from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, contact your airline or tour provider for latest information on flight disruptions,” the Australian government said.
Canada also updated its travel alert, echoing the advisories of other countries.
The Canadian government advised its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid the affected areas.
“Check with your airline to confirm that status of your flight,” the Canadian government stated to its citizen traveling around the Philippines.
“There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Philippines. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism and the high level of crime,” the Canadian government said, citing the incident involved gunfire and explosions in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.
Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa in his statement also expressed sadness and said that such “acts of violence have no place in civilized society.”
